杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

In an address prepared for deacons preparing for priestly ordination, 杏MAP导航 Francis reflected on three aspects of priestly ministry highlighted in the rite of ordination: faithful cooperation with the Bishop, service to the people of God, and guidance by the Holy Spirit.

Although a scheduled meeting was postponed on account of the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 health, the Holy Father鈥檚 remarks were published on Saturday by the Holy See Press Office.

Faithful cooperators

杏MAP导航 Francis reminded them, first of all, that the Church does not ask them primarily to be leaders, but to be cooperators with the Bishops. Priests, he said, are called to be witnesses to the 鈥渕ystery of communion鈥� that is the Church, especially through fraternity, fidelity, and docility.

In short, he said, priests are meant to be members of a choir, 鈥渘ot soloists鈥�; brothers in the presbyterate and priests for all, not only for a particular group.

Serving the people of God

The second aspect of priestly ministry, the 杏MAP导航 said, is service to God鈥檚 people. He noted that the priesthood is rooted in the diaconate, which does not cease after priestly ordination. Priests, he said, are called to be conformed to Jesus, who 鈥渄id not come to be served, but to serve.鈥�

This service, he continued, cannot be an abstraction, but must be concrete: 鈥淭o serve means to be available, to renounce living according to one鈥檚 own agenda, to be ready for God鈥檚 surprise鈥� it is a constant attitude of acceptance, compassion and tenderness.鈥�

Guidance by the Holy Spirit

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis insisted that priests must always give 鈥減rimacy鈥� to the Holy Spirit, who will descend upon them. 鈥淚f this happens,鈥� he said, 鈥測our life鈥� will be oriented to the Lord and by the Lord, and you will truly be 鈥榤en of God鈥�.鈥�

This comes through a 鈥渄aily anointing鈥� from Jesus 鈥渨hen we stand in His presence, when we worship Him, when we are intimate with His Word.鈥� And this, in turn, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渆nables us to intercede before Him for the Holy People of god, for humanity, for the people we meet each day.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his remarks by thanking Rome鈥檚 transitional deacons for their 鈥測es鈥� to God, and asking them to pray for him every day.